Nigeria Enacts Cybercrimes Act 2025: What Every Internet User Must Know
Emmanuel Femi Adedayo 
The National Assembly, led by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, has officially passed the Cybercrimes Act 2025, marking a major milestone in Nigeria’s fight against cybercrime.
With this legislation now in force, every provision of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act is binding and enforceable nationwide. The law places a strong responsibility on online users, content creators, and digital platform administrators (WhatsApp, Facebook, Telegram, etc.) to understand and comply with its provisions, as ignorance will no longer be an excuse.
Key Offenses and Penalties Under the Cybercrimes Act
Unauthorized Access (Section 3)
- Accessing another person’s phone, laptop, or online account without permission.
- Penalty: Up to 5 years imprisonment
Tampering with Data (Section 4)
- Deleting, altering, or interfering with someone else’s digital information.
- Penalty: Up to 5 years imprisonment
Disclosure of Critical Information (Section 5)
- Sharing classified or sensitive data without lawful authority.
- Penalty: Up to 15 years imprisonment
Recording Private Conversations (Section 10)
- Recording private discussions without consent, even if you are part of the conversation.
- Penalty: Up to 2 years imprisonment
Publishing Fake News (Section 19)
- Spreading false, misleading, or deceptive information online.
- Penalty: Up to 2 years imprisonment
Online Harassment & Abuse (Section 22)
- Posting offensive, vulgar, or indecent content aimed at insulting or humiliating others.
- Penalty: Up to 2 years imprisonment
Inciting Ethnic or Religious Hatred (Section 24)
- Making statements that provoke ethnic, tribal, or religious violence.
- Penalty: Life imprisonment
Special Responsibility for Group & Page Admins
Administrators of WhatsApp groups, Facebook pages, Telegram channels, or other online communities can be held legally accountable for illegal content posted by members.
If an admin knowingly allows harmful or unlawful posts without moderation, they risk prosecution under the Cybercrimes Act.
Stay Safe Online
This landmark law underscores the government’s commitment to peace, safety, and accountability in Nigeria’s digital space.
All internet users are urged to:
- Verify information before sharing.
- Avoid spreading fake news.
- Respect others’ privacy and rights online.
By obeying the provisions of the Cybercrimes Act 2025, Nigerians can enjoy a safer digital environment and avoid legal consequences.
About the Author
Ayo Marvel 
Ademola Busayo 